Red sandstone Seven Bulls cliffs in Jeti-Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

8-Day Epic Kyrgyzstan Tour

Eight days from Bishkek to Bishkek via Issyk-Kul, Song-Kol and Tash-Rabat, with scenic stops throughout.

Duration8 days / 7 nights

Price per person from$1350

5.0 / 5 TripAdvisor · Silk Travel guest reviews Book this tour

Route map

open the route in Google Maps

Main itinerary stops. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Dotted line shows the order of stops, not the exact road. Open the route in Google Maps

Route stops (14)

1
Bishkek — start
Day 1 departure at 08:00.
2
Burana Tower
Day 1 stop on the way to Issyk-Kul.
3
Karakol
Days 1–2 overnight base for Altyn-Arashan.
4
Altyn-Arashan
Day 2 mountain valley and hot springs; return to Karakol.
5
Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon
Day 3 red-rock stop before Kochkor.
6
Kochkor
Days 3–4 village stop before Song-Kol.
7
Song-Kol Lake
Day 4 yurt overnight and sunset photographs.
8
Naryn
Day 5 route toward Tash-Rabat via the 33 Parrots road.
9
Tash-Rabat Caravanserai
Day 5 guesthouse or yurt overnight near Tash-Rabat.
10
Kochkor — return
Day 6 return toward Kochkor via Naryn.
11
Kazarman
Day 7 route from Kochkor toward Kyzyl-Oi.
12
Kyzyl-Oi Village
Day 7 overnight in Kyzyl-Oi.
13
Suusamyr Valley
Day 8 scenic drive toward Too-Ashuu Pass.
14
Bishkek — finish
Day 8 final hotel or airport transfer.

Duration8 days / 7 nights

Detailed tour program

Day 1Bishkek to Karakol via Burana and the north shore of Issyk-Kul

08:00Burana, Issyk-Kul petroglyphs and Karakol

Depart Bishkek at 08:00 and visit Burana Tower on the way. Travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, with lunch in Balykchy or Bosteri depending on the pace of the journey. Stop to see the petroglyphs, then continue to Karakol for an overnight stay.
Day 2Altyn-Arashan from Karakol and return

A day in Altyn-Arashan

Travel from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan. Spend the day among mountain landscapes, with time for walks and photographs. Descend from Altyn-Arashan, return to Karakol and stay overnight there.
Day 3Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon, Fairy Tale and Ak-Sai canyons to Kochkor

Along the south shore of Issyk-Kul

Leave Karakol and follow the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Stop at Jeti-Oguz and Barskoon, then visit Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon and Ak-Sai Canyon for photographs. Continue to Kochkor for an overnight stay. The Ak-Sai approach depends on road and weather conditions.
Day 4Kochkor via Kalmak-Ashu Pass to Song-Kol

Sunset and yurt overnight at Song-Kol

Leave Kochkor and cross Kalmak-Ashu Pass (3,445 m) toward Song-Kol. Stop for photographs along the route, then enjoy the evening light and sunset by the lake. Overnight in a yurt at Song-Kol.
Day 5Song-Kol to Tash-Rabat via Naryn and the 33 Parrots road

Through At-Bashy District

Descend from Song-Kol on the 33 Parrots road toward Naryn. Stop at Eko Naryn River Viewpoint, then continue through At-Bashy District to Tash-Rabat. Overnight at a guesthouse or in a yurt near Tash-Rabat.
Day 6Tash-Rabat to Kochkor via Naryn

Return through Naryn

Return from Tash-Rabat to Naryn, then continue to Kochkor Village. Stop at safe scenic viewpoints as time and weather allow. Overnight in Kochkor.
Day 7Kochkor to Kyzyl-Oi via Kazarman

Travel to Kyzyl-Oi Village

Leave Kochkor Village and travel through Kazarman to Kyzyl-Oi Village. Make scenic photo stops along the way. Overnight in Kyzyl-Oi.
Day 8Kyzyl-Oi to Bishkek via Suusamyr and Too-Ashuu

Return to Bishkek and tour finish

Drive through Suusamyr Valley, stop for a view of the Kokomeren River and cross Too-Ashuu Pass. The tour finishes in Bishkek with a transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Video reviews from our guests

Real travellers tell in their own words how the trip went.

Prices by group size

A private tour: the more people in the car, the lower the price per person.

Group	Per person	Total for the group
1 traveller	$3910	$3910
2 travellers	$2190	$4380
3 travellers	$1790	$5370
4 travellers	$1350	$5400

Prices in US dollars, for a private SUV tour with a driver-guide. Final cost is confirmed before booking.

Reviews about us

5.0●●●●●Excellent · TripAdvisor

StJFamilyFredericton, Canada · 56 contributions

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Great Guide, Great Tour

Had an excellent three day small group tour to Altyn Emel, Kaindy/Kolsai and Charyn Canyon with Tau. Tau was a terrific guide and I highly recommend him. He was friendly and a lot of fun. He has lots of knowledge of the area and was very generous with his time to allow us all the opportunity to enjoy the area. Also takes great photos!

The places we visited on the tour are beautiful and very worth the effort to travel there. Kazakhstan surpassed all expectations and loved my time there.

dyCanada2Hong Kong, China · 13 contributions · Jun 2019 • Friends

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Fantastic guide, amazing trip!

Travelled with my mom in a group tour last June. We had Tau as our guide and it was a magical trip! Great driver and conversationalist, and he took us to some beautiful landscapes and also on some unreal hikes and climbs. Also very well prepared - borrowed many blankets when the temperatures got a little chilly, and had rain ponchos on hand when the weather turned rainy.

After we returned to Almaty, Tau provided great recommendations and showed some pretty neat bars / spots around town.

Hands-down, one of the highlights for summer 2019. Highly recommended. Tau will ensure that you have a great time in Kazakhstan!

Excursion29147138082Oct 2025

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6 days private tour in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

“Our guide, Ray, was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible.”

lenb277Oct 2025

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A great way to explore Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

“My husband and I tailored the 6 day tour and spent 5 amazing days outdoors.”

rosr972025

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Amazing 6-Day Trip

“We had the most wonderful experience in this 6 day tour.”

Anisa JJun 2025

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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan private tour

“We had an amazing time on our private tour of 6 days.”

nirhkangMay 2025

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Wowed in every destinations

“Made plenty of unforgettable memories. We were well taken care of.”

49faridahj2025

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A thrilling 6 day tour

“He tailored and adjusted the tour schedule according to our preference.”

1 / 8Read all on TripAdvisor

Burana Tower rising above the Chuy Valley, Kyrgyzstan

Pier on Issyk-Kul Lake with mountains beyond

Mountain river and meadow in Altyn-Arashan valley near Karakol

Red sandstone rock formations in Skazka Canyon near Issyk-Kul

Yurt beside Song-Kol Lake in the Kyrgyz highlands

Included

Comfortable 4x4 SUV / Fuel
English-speaking guide-driver
Seven nights of accommodation and all meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All planned entrance tickets and national park fees
Pick-up in Bishkek; final transfer to your Bishkek hotel or the airport
Drinking water

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Activity costs (horse riding and other optional activities)
Tips for the guide (optional)

What to bring

Footwear with good grip for slopes and uneven ground; budget trekking boots are suitable for our standard scenic toursA warm fleece, vest or windbreaker, even in summer: Assy, Arabel, Kolsai, Kaindy and evenings in Saty can be cool; a rain poncho is optionalSun hat, sunglasses and sunscreenID or passport; for an international itinerary, check the required entry documents before travellingPhone or camera, chargers and a power bankCash for personal purchases and additional servicesA small daypack and a reusable water bottlePersonal toiletries and medication; trekking poles and specialist equipment are not normally needed on the standard 5-, 6- and 8-day scenic tours; check requirements for dedicated trekking itineraries

Why Silk Travel

Exceptional service

A personal approach to every guest and safety throughout the journey.

Transport for your group

For road travel, we select the vehicle according to your group size, itinerary and assigned guide. Makes and models vary between departures. See examples of the vehicles we use.

Individual tours

No big groups. Change the route, take breaks, extend the trip.

Certified guides

Our guides speak English, are certified and have more than five years of guiding experience.

8-Day Epic Kyrgyzstan Tour: what to expect

This eight-day private Kyrgyzstan journey starts and ends in Bishkek. Travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol and Altyn-Arashan, then follow the southern shore via Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon, Fairy Tale Canyon and Ak-Sai Canyon to Kochkor. Cross Kalmak-Ashu Pass to Song-Kol for sunset and a yurt overnight.

From Song-Kol, descend via the 33 Parrots road to Naryn and Tash-Rabat. Return through Naryn to Kochkor, then continue via Kazarman and Kyzyl-Oi. The final day passes through Suusamyr Valley and Too-Ashuu Pass to Bishkek for a hotel or airport transfer. Scenic photo stops are part of the itinerary; road and weather conditions determine exact timing.

Why book 8-Day Epic Kyrgyzstan Tour with Silk Travel

Silk Travel arranges private trips across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This itinerary is a Kyrgyzstan-only journey with departure and return in Bishkek, rather than a cross-border tour from Almaty.

The private format allows time at the viewpoints and photo locations that matter most to your group. Share your preferred dates and group size so we can confirm the route, transport, accommodation and price before booking.

Who this private tour is for

This route is designed for travellers who want a private, scenery-focused journey through Kyrgyzstan. It combines Issyk-Kul and Karakol with high-altitude Song-Kol, Tash-Rabat and mountain valleys. The eight-day schedule suits guests who can spend a full week on the road from Bishkek.

Best time to go and what to prepare

Yurt stays at Song-Kol normally run from late May to early September, subject to weather, camp availability and mountain road conditions. Confirm access to Song-Kol and the high passes for your dates before booking; outside the yurt season we will discuss an adjusted route. The Song-Kol yurts on our route are unheated, with shared showers and toilets outside. Bring warm layers for the night, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, your passport and a power bank.

How to book

Send us your dates, group size and pick-up location in Bishkek. We will confirm availability, accommodation options, the full price and the final itinerary. The tour ends with a transfer to your Bishkek hotel or the airport.

Questions about this tour

Where does the 8-day Kyrgyzstan tour start and end?

The tour starts with an 08:00 departure from Bishkek on Day 1 and ends in Bishkek on Day 8. We arrange the final transfer to your Bishkek hotel or the airport.

What is included in the 8-day tour price?

The price includes a private 4x4 vehicle with a driver-guide, seven nights of accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour, and planned entrance tickets and national park fees. International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities and tips are not included.

Can we travel to Song-Kol and Tash-Rabat at any time of year?

Mountain roads and overnight options are seasonal. Tell us your travel dates before booking so we can confirm access, accommodation and the route for those dates.

How do I book?

Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred stops, accommodation and dietary needs with you. After you confirm the itinerary and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed accommodation. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. For direct Silk Travel bookings, cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the start receives a refund of 100% of the amount paid; with less notice, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. Third-party bookings follow their platform terms.

Are the tours private?

Yes. Every tour is for your own party, including solo travellers. We do not run join-in groups or add you to another booking. Your English-speaking guide adapts walks, stops and time at locations to your interests and ability within the agreed itinerary. Extra days, accommodation upgrades and optional paid activities are quoted separately.

What vehicles do you use?

Our vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned and undergo technical inspections. We select the vehicle according to your group size, route and assigned guide, so the make and model can vary between departures. The photographs on About Silk Travel show examples of vehicles we use.

What if prices differ by group size?

The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.

Can you arrange halal meals, vegetarian food and food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged in advance, with food adapted to guests’ preferences. Tell us about allergies before booking. A severe allergy requires individual discussion and confirmation of arrangements, including any needed controls against contact with the allergen. Check the chosen tour’s meal inclusions: meals are paid separately on some itineraries.

Do you provide child car seats?

Yes. We provide a child car seat on advance request. Tell us the child’s age and height when booking so we can prepare a suitable seat before the tour starts.

How can I stay connected during the trip?

On routes through Almaty, Bishkek or Karakol, you can buy a local SIM card along the way; tell us if you would like help. Mobile coverage depends on the operator and may be unavailable in remote mountain areas.